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Brand Names: Abraxane

Generic Name: paclitaxel protein-bound (Pronunciation: PAK li TAX el PRO teen-bound)

• What is paclitaxel protein-bound (Abraxane)?
• What are the possible side effects of paclitaxel protein-bound (Abraxane)?
• What is the most important information I should know about paclitaxel protein-bound (Abraxane)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving paclitaxel protein-bound (Abraxane)?
• How is paclitaxel protein-bound given (Abraxane)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Abraxane)?
• What happens if I overdose (Abraxane)?
• What should I avoid while using paclitaxel protein-bound (Abraxane)?
• What other drugs will affect paclitaxel protein-bound (Abraxane)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is paclitaxel protein-bound (Abraxane)?

Paclitaxel protein-bound is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is used in the treatment of breast cancer.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is usually given after other cancer medicines have been tried without successful treatment.

Paclitaxel protein-bound may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of paclitaxel protein-bound (Abraxane)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• swelling, rapid weight gain; or
• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, trouble breathing, fast heart rate.

Less serious side effects may include:

• numbness or tingly feeling;
• muscle or joint pain;
• nausea, vomiting;
• diarrhea; or
• hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about paclitaxel protein-bound (Abraxane)?

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving paclitaxel protein-bound, whether you are a man or a woman. Paclitaxel protein-bound use by either parent may cause birth defects.

You should not use paclitaxel protein-bound if you are allergic to it, or if you have a low white blood cell count.

Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or bone marrow suppression.

To make sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as fever, chills, flu symptoms, mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, swelling or rapid weight gain, chest pain, sudden cough, rapid heart rate, or trouble breathing.

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